Happy
(adjective) feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

 

The meaning of happiness is different for everyone. It could mean being close to family or finding love, making lots of money or buying new things. Whatever it is, we are always striving for it; making everyday decisions to help us reach those happiness goals.

But sometimes, feeling happy can be quite difficult.

Today, I’m going to write about stress.

 

Stress
(noun) a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

 

What a pain in the bum. We all experience it at some point in our lives in one way or another. School, university, a job, moving house; wherever and whenever someone experiences stress, it’s never pleasant. It can make you feel down, have low energy, headaches, a loss of sleep and can even give you aches and pains and a rapid heartbeat.

So what can we do about it?

Well, stress can be difficult to shift; it’s personal to everyone and, essentially, it’s down to the individual to make small changes. Meditating or spending time alone can reduce the effects of stress; even a short walk a day can help ease anxiety. Light exercise, breathing exercises and talking to friends or family can all calm a busy mind.

But let’s try something more.

As well as the other methods, it has been proven that dogs can help reduce stress levels. Yes, dogs.

Isn’t that just the best news ever?

As part of National Dog Week (amazing, I know), I’d like to highlight the positive impacts of bringing your dog to the office.

A Virginia Commonwealth University study has shown that dogs can increase dopamine and serotonin levels – chemicals in the body that can release the feeling of happiness. Pretty cool, right?

Pet owners, according to the CDC, could be leading a more healthful lifestyle, with decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels and stress.

I have worked in environments where people bring in their dogs, and they always made me smile! If able, I think bringing your dog to work could really boost positivity and morale.

Puppyspot are a big supporter of National Dog Week – they are a community of dog lovers (I mean, who isn’t?) who place healthy puppies into happy homes. They believe that having a furry friend at work can those miserable Mondays a little better. And here’s why:

As stress can become a real problem, affecting health and happiness, it’s important that we look after ourselves. Taking a step back and addressing the problem is the first step before trying different methods.

And, hey, if that means petting a few dogs, it can only be a good thing.

I hope you’re well.

Amy Louise

X

(P.S. I had a stalk of this puppies page and now I want to buy them all.)